The 2024 Land Rover Defender 90 with the supercharged 5.0L V8 gets 16 MPG combined. Nobody buys this Defender variant seeking thriftiness. Its purpose is performance, noise, and undeniable presence. Fuel economy is secondary for buyers drawn to its intoxicating blend of raw power, legendary off-road capability and stylish, albeit stubby, design.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 15 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway. These figures illustrate the Defender 90 V8’s drinking habits. Stop-and-go traffic will punish you, requiring constant dips into the supercharger’s reserves to manage its weight. The highway number, while still low, reflects the engine’s ability to settle into a slightly more relaxed state at cruising speeds. Neither figure should surprise anyone familiar with high-performance engines in heavy vehicles.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $3,600 for the 2024 Land Rover Defender 90 V8. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. This fuel bill is a direct cost that owners of this Defender need to factor into their ownership budget. Considering potential maintenance costs and insurance premiums, the cost to own the V8 Defender is substantial.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standardized estimate, but your actual fuel economy will vary based on driving style, terrain, and even tire pressure. Frequent flooring of the throttle to experience the engine’s full power will significantly reduce fuel efficiency. Off-roading, with its low-speed crawling and increased engine load, will also lower your MPG. Consider the EPA numbers as a best-case scenario and prepare for potentially worse performance, especially if you embrace the Defender 90’s intended purpose.

How it compares

The Defender 90 V8 exists in a rarefied space. Comparisons to other SUVs are almost irrelevant, as its primary appeal lies in its unique character and performance. A comparable Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392, with its 6.4L V8, manages a similar 14 MPG combined. A Mercedes-AMG G63, while offering a more luxurious experience, sees only slightly better fuel economy at around 15 MPG combined. Even within the Land Rover family, other Defender models offer significantly better fuel efficiency.

The P300 four-cylinder Defender 90 achieves approximately 20 MPG combined, demonstrating the dramatic fuel-economy trade-off for V8 performance. Browse all Land fuel economy data on our website.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While maximizing MPG might not be the top priority for a Defender 90 V8 owner, a few strategies can help you moderate your fuel consumption. Gentle acceleration will minimize the need for the supercharger to kick in, saving fuel during city driving. Anticipate traffic flow and avoid unnecessary braking, allowing the vehicle to coast when possible. Properly inflated tires also reduce rolling resistance and improve fuel economy.

Resist the temptation to constantly use “Dynamic” driving mode. While spirited driving is part of the V8’s appeal, using this mode sparingly will benefit your fuel consumption. “Comfort” mode and “Eco” modes will yield much better mileage where possible.

Remember that the Defender 90’s aerodynamics are affected by its boxy shape. Carrying unnecessary weight inside or on the roof rack will further decrease efficiency. Keep the vehicle as streamlined as possible for everyday driving.

Consider the broader context of owning a Defender 90 5.0L. Its higher running costs should match your usage patterns, and lifestyle requirements. If your main goal is fuel economy, consider other models, and view ROVER MPG across all years.